t? 



THE display of flowers next season depends on the 4f 

 ,,, operations of this period, as the supply of plants }-x^ 



f must now be provided, whether from seed, cuttings, or "^ 



division of plant at the roots. A present prompt attention is essential 

 to a successful floral season. 



IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. 



Protection will still be necessary to all tender plants, but on all 

 favourable occasions lake off the covering, in order to dispel any damp 

 air. See that all newly-planted shrubs remain secure, so that the roots 

 are not loosened by the Avind. Planting trees, shrubs, &c., ought to 

 be done as early as possible, guarding against the frosty air damaging 

 tlie fibrous roots ; as little exposure as possible is essential to success in 

 growth. Any Rose-trees to be planted must be done directly, or 

 success is hazardous. Prune the open-air kinds of the entire hardy 

 class now, and the tenderer sorts next month. Perennial and biennial 

 plants in the flower-bed may be divided. Plant out Hollyhocks as 

 soon as possible, if tliey are to bloom well tlie coming season ; so witii 

 anj' of the biennial plants. Pink beds : see that the plants remain 

 secure, and stick some whin or fir-tree branches in among the plants, 

 or make a low hedge of them around the bed, in order to screen the 

 plants from the strong cold wind ; a top dressing of fresh soil and well- 

 rotted hot-bed manure should be given. Fresli soil should be added to 

 all flower-beds ; it very much promotes the production of a profusion 

 of flowers. Manures should be laid over the roots of Roses, removing 

 a few inches of the earth, filling up the hollow with well-rotted cow 

 or hot-bed dung, and sprinkle it over with soil, so that it may not dry. 

 Collect soils, &c., for forming compost, such as turf, peat, loam, &c. 

 If the surface of beds of bulbs has become hard and stiff, stir it over 

 frequentl}^, in order to admit that free atmospheric influence to the 

 roots which is essential to success. Polyanthuses in beds ought to have 

 three or four inches thick of dry leaves carefully laid over it, but not 

 to bury the plants ; add a sprinkling of soil, to hold the leaves from 

 blowing away, and preserve the stems from being naked, and, in severe 

 weatlier, a few short sticks pricked in over the bed would support a 

 mat for covering. 



Take the first opportunity about the miihlle of tlie month, if the 

 weather be dry, to plant the Ranunculuses and Anemones, placing 

 them at five inches apart, and an inch and a half deep from the crown 

 to the surface ; and if the soil be dry, after jikuiting, press the surface 

 with a flat board. If the formation of the bed has not been effected, 

 dig out a space half a yard deep, and put all over the bottom a layer of 



